2 schools, 6 sets of sports teams: NCAA gives OK to merger

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — College sports’ governing body gave permission for six state-owned universities in Pennsylvania to continue to compete as separate entities despite merging into two umbrella institutions, the State System of Higher Education announced Wednesday.

The decision pertains to sports in Division II at Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities. The NCAA has yet to rule on a small number of Division I teams the schools also field.

The three western Pennsylvania schools — California, Clarion and Edinboro — merged last year into Pennsylvania Western University, or PennWest. The others are now Commonwealth University.

The schools compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

All six names will still be widely used — including for logos and on diplomas. The umbrella institutions make up single entities for accreditation, with single administrations.

The mergers are designed to provide a broader range of programs to students, making it easier for them to attend classes at any of the three schools.

The integrations are scheduled to take place in July.